MOBILE, Ala. – Returning three of its four starting backs from the 2011 season, the University of South Alabama women’s soccer team will employ a battle-tested defense this year led by two-year starting center backs Jess Oram and Shelby Owen.
 
The junior duo anchored a flat-back four that allowed slightly over a goal per game last season and helped preserve a home-field record of 8-1-1.
 
“Jess and Shelby have been playing beside each other for two years now and have developed as one of our key strengths heading into this season,” said head coach Mike Varga. “They lead by example and help take a lot of pressure off the rest of our team.”
 
After losing its season opener to Louisiana Tech 4-0 last August, the Jaguar defense responded by keeping its next seven opponents to a goal or less, winning all seven matches in the process, including two 3-0 victories over Alcorn State and Nicholls State at the Trojan Classic in Troy, Ala.
 
Junior goalkeeper Melissa Drish recorded a save percentage of .813 last year, spending all but 34 minutes of the season in the net.
 
Junior Clemson transfer Lauren Arnold will also look for time between the posts this year, as the 2010 Atlantic Coast Conference leader in saves per game (4.94) has already made herself familiar with fellow-Jags Oram, Shawn Meach, Clarissa Hernandez and Morgan Motes as part of 2012 Women’s Premier Soccer League champions, the Gulf Coast Texans.
 
2011 starting right back, Tatum Perry, earned a start on the right flank for the Jags at the Aug. 11 exhibition versus USA alumni, showing a blue-collar attitude towards getting up and down the field and peppering in crosses from the wing.
 
Redshirt-sophomores Tina Schaar and Emi Passini also showed class last Saturday, starting in the back on the right and left sides, respectively.
 
“We have a lot of depth and experience in the back this year, and our student-athletes showed good team defending this past weekend against a very talented alumni team,” said Varga. “Having experience in defense will bring confidence to our players higher up the field and will pay huge dividends for us.”

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).